Overview of Cancer-Preventive Lifestyle Based on Iranian Traditional Medicine

Introduction: Cancer represents a significant global health challenge, with lifestyle factors playing a crucial role in its prevention. Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM), rooted in humoral theory and holistic principles, promotes lifestyle modifications to sustain health and avert chronic diseases, including cancer. By emphasizing dietary balance, physical activity, and emotional well-being, ITM provides a distinctive framework for lowering cancer risk. This scoping review examines ITM-based lifestyle recommendations for cancer prevention. Methods: This scoping review adhered to the Arksey & O’Malley framework to map existing literature on The Cancer-Preventive Lifestyle Based on Iranian Traditional Medicine. Five methodological steps were implemented: defining the research question, conducting a systematic literature search, selecting eligible studies, extracting and synthesizing data, and analyzing research gaps. Searches were conducted across PubMed, Scopus, SID, Magiran, and Google Scholar using keywords 'Iranian Traditional Medicine,' 'cancer prevention,' 'lifestyle,' and 'humoral balance.' The initial search yielded ۳۲۰ articles, and after screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria following the PRISMA ۲۰۲۰ flow diagram, ۱۱ studies published between ۲۰۰۵ and ۲۰۲۴ were included. Given the exploratory nature of scoping reviews, studies of lower methodological quality were not excluded but categorized separately in the synthesis. Result: A comprehensive review of ۱۱ studies on cancer-preventive lifestyles, grounded in Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM), highlights the application of the Six Essential Principles (Sette Zaroorie): air and environment, nutrition and its etiquette, exercise and rest, psychological states, sleep and wakefulness, and specific hygiene practices (e.g., detoxification and waste elimination). Below is a concise, evidence-based summary organized according to these principles: Nutrition and Its Etiquette: Five studies underscored the significance of a balanced diet tailored to individual temperament, avoidance of harmful foods linked to 'sawda' (black bile) production, and the integration of herbal remedies. These interventions were shown to mitigate oxidative stress and inhibit tumorigenesis, forming a cornerstone of cancer prevention in TIM. Exercise and Rest: Three studies emphasized the role of moderate, personalized physical activity in enhancing metabolic health and immune function. These studies suggest that regular movement, aligned with TIM principles, supports physiological balance and reduces cancer risk. Sleep and Wakefulness: The same three studies also highlighted adequate sleep as vital for hormonal regulation, immune system resilience, and metabolic stability, reinforcing its preventive potential against cancer development. Psychological States: Two studies focused on managing psychological well-being through TIM-based mindfulness techniques and fostering social support networks. These approaches were found to alleviate chronic stress—a known risk factor for cancer—and enhance adherence to healthy lifestyle practices. Specific Hygiene Practices (Detoxification): Five studies stressed the importance of maintaining humoral balance through proper digestion and detoxification processes. By eliminating waste and supporting cellular health, these practices were linked to reduced carcinogenic burden. Air and Environment: Notably, none of the ۱۱ studies addressed the impact of air quality or environmental factors on cancer prevention, revealing a research gap within the TIM framework. Conclusion: This analysis of all ۱۱ studies demonstrates that TIM provides a holistic and integrative approach to cancer prevention, with strong evidence supporting nutrition, detoxification, physical activity, sleep, and psychological well-being. However, the lack of focus on air and environmental factors suggests an area warranting further investigation to fully align modern research with TIM’s comprehensive principles. Enhanced screening programs integrating ITM principles and rigorous clinical trials are recommended to validate and promote these strategies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Iranian Traditional Medicine ، cancer prevention ، lifestyle ، humoral balance